What is knitted with circular knitting needles? Knitting in the round on two pairs of circular needles

In this lesson we will continue to study, consider the rule of the circle, patterns and techniques for knitting circles with various types of stitches.

Circular knitting starts with a central ring, which can be done in two ways, I talked about this in the last lesson. Each circular row has a clear beginning and end. It begins with lifting loops that correspond to the height of the stitches being performed, is knitted with uniform increases and ends with the help of a connecting post.

In order for the circle to be flat and even, you need to follow the “rule of the circle”.

Circle rule for double crochets.

If you knit with double crochets, then you should start with a chain of 6 ch, knit the first circular row with 12 double crochets, divide the circle into 12 wedges and evenly add 12 stitches in each row. s/n on a circular row.
Let's take a closer look. This is what the circle knitting pattern for double crochets looks like

We collect a chain of 6 vp,

we close it into a ring using the connection. Art.

1st row: knit 3 ch.p.p.,

We close the row using the connection. Art. (we insert the hook into the upper lifting loop of this row)

Row 2: In this row we need to evenly add 12 tbsp. s/n, so we will knit 2 tbsp in each loop. s/n, knit 3 v.p.,

In the same loop of the base of the chain we knit another 1 tbsp. s/n,

In each next loop we knit 2 tbsp. s/n to the end of the row.

In total, in this row we should get 24 tbsp. s/n, do not forget that lifting air loops count as 1 tbsp. s/n. We close the row using the connection. Art. into the top lifting loop of this row

Row 3: Again we need to evenly increase 12 sts on this row. s/n. We knit 3 v.p.p.

knit 1 tbsp. s/n in the same base loop,

in the next loop we knit 1 tbsp. s/n,

then we make an increase, i.e. knit 2 tbsp. s/n in next loop

So we alternate until the end of the row, in the next. knit a loop 1 tbsp. s/n, in the next 2 tbsp. s/n, etc., close the row using the connection. Art. In this row we should have 36 stitches. s/n.

4th row: knit 3 vp, and 1 tbsp. s/n in the same base loop,

in the next two loops we knit 1 tbsp. s/n

in the next loop we make an increase and knit 2 tbsp. s/n

Subsequent rows are knitted similarly. This is what a flat circle of 8 rows looks like for me.

I think now the principle of knitting in the round is clear to you. Don't forget to look at the diagram. When knitting in the round, the pattern is read counterclockwise.

Circle rule for half double crochets.

If you knit with half double crochets, then you should start with 4 ch, knit the first circular row of 8 half double crochets, divide the circle into 8 wedges and add 8 half double crochets evenly in each row.

In the diagram it looks like this

Let's take a closer look

We knit a chain of 4 ch. and close it into a ring using the connection. Art.

1st row: knit 2 ch.p.p.,

We close the row using the connection. Art. inserting the hook into the top lifting loop of this row

2nd row: in the second row we need to evenly add 8 half stitches. s/n, so we will knit 2 half stitches into each loop. s/n, knit 2 v.p.p. and 1 half tbsp. s/n in the same base loop,

We close the row using the connection. Art. to the top lifting loop for this row

We should have 16 half stitches in this row. s/n. (2 v.p. count as 1 half-st. s/n)

Row 3: Again we need to evenly add 8 half stitches. s/n. We knit 2 v.p.p. and 1 half tbsp. s/n in the same base loop

in the next loop we knit 1 half stitch. s/n,

alternate to the end of the row, close the row using the connection. Art.

In this row we should have 24 half stitches. s/n.

3rd row: knit 2 ch. and 1 half tbsp. s/n in the same base loop

in the next 2 loops we knit 1 half stitch. s/n,

and next we knit a loop 2 half stitches. s/n

alternate 2 half-st. s/n and increase to the end of the row, close the row using the connection. Art. There should be 32 half stitches in the row. s/n

This is what a flat circle of 8 rows looks like, knitted half-stitch. s/n

Subsequent rows are knitted similarly.

Circle rule for single crochets.

If you are knitting circular rows with single crochets, then you should start with 3 ch, knit the first circular row with 6 single crochets, divide the circle into 6 wedges and add 6 single crochets evenly in each row.

This is what the diagram looks like

Let's take a closer look

Instead of 3 v.p. I decided to make the initial row from a loop. Let's knit 6 single crochets into it.

Tighten the thread and close the row using the connection. Art.

2nd row: in the second row we need to evenly add 6 single crochets, in each loop we will knit 2 tbsp. b/n. We knit 1 ch, then not in the same base loop, but in the next one. we knit a loop 2 tbsp. b/n, (in the case of short rows, vpp is not considered a column - see), then we knit 2 tbsp into each loop. b/n to the end of the row

We close the row using the connection. st., but in this case we insert the hook not into the ch.p.p., but into the first st. b/n of this row. This row should make 12 tbsp. b/n

3rd row: in this row we again evenly add 6 tbsp. b/n. We knit 1 v.p.p. and 2 tbsp. b/n in the next loop,

next knit a loop 1 tbsp. b/n,

we close the row of connections. Art. in the first st. b/n of this row. In this row we have 18 stitches. b/n.

3rd row: knit 1 ch. and 2 tbsp. b/n in the next loop,

in the next 2 loops we knit 1 tbsp. b/n,

in the next one we will make an increase and knit 2 tbsp. b/n in one loop

So you need to alternate until the end of the row, in which you should get 24 tbsp. b/n. We close the row using the connection. st., which we knit in the first st. b/n this row

Increments are made in the same way in subsequent rows. This is what a circle of 8 rows looks like, knitted with single crochets.

With an increase in the number of yarn overs in the columns, plus 4 loops are added per circle, i.e.

if we knit with double crochets, add 12 loops per circle,

if we knit with double crochets, add 16 loops per circle,

if we knit with stitches with three crochets, add 20 loops per circle, etc.

Well, you and I have studied a simple knitting in the round main types of columns.

See you in the next lessons!

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Knitting in the round with knitting needles.
Knitting in the round, as a type of knitting, appeared much earlier than knitting regular fabric. This knitting pattern is used to knit socks, stockings, sweaters, hats, mittens and much more. The main advantage of this knitting is that the products are seamless. This makes the job much easier. Another plus is that the work is done only on the front side and with front loops. This makes it very convenient to knit patterns, because the entire pattern will be visible at once.

For this type of knitting, knitting needles connected with nylon wire are used. They, like all knitting needles, have different diameters, which must be selected in accordance with the yarn. These knitting needles are indispensable when knitting items with a large number of loops. The length of the wire between the knitting needles is also selected according to the number of loops being cast on. It often happens that the wire between the knitting needles is twisted. To do this, place the knitting needles in hot water for 4-5 seconds, pull them out and, holding the wire between the thumb and forefinger, run along it, thereby straightening the wire.

Now about the technology of knitting in the round. The loops on such knitting needles are cast on in the usual way. It is very important that the loops do not twist. To do this, you can knit 2 rows on circular knitting needles: 1 knit, 1 purl with a knitting rotation. After this, when knitting the 3rd front row, connect the two ends of the knitting and mark the beginning of the row. Now you can knit in the round, following the knitting pattern you have chosen.

There is another way to knit in the round. It is suitable for small things - mittens, socks, booties, hats. For this method, 5 identical knitting needles, pointed at both ends, are used. Such knitting needles are also selected by diameter. This type of knitting requires some skill. You must not lose all 5 needles and do not let the loops stretch.

For this knitting, we cast on the initial loops on 2 knitting needles. Let there be 40 of them. Then we take out one knitting needle and start knitting 10 knit stitches from the first knitting needle, then take the 3rd knitting needle and again knit 10 knit stitches from the first knitting needle, and do the same with the fourth knitting needle. Now, having formed a square from the knitting needles, we begin to knit the loops that are on the 1st knitting needle with the fifth knitting needle. After knitting, the knitting needle is released, and we begin to knit loops on the next knitting needle. And so we knit rows in a circle, following the pattern of the pattern.

You can also crochet in the round.

This technique is convenient for knitting potholders, napkins, hats , toys amigurumi .

First you need to make the initial ring. It can be done in two ways.

First: we knit several air loops - usually 3-4 and connect them into a ring using a connecting post. We tie the chain with single crochets.

Second way: using a loop. In this case, the annular hole is not visible and the knitting is tight. You need to make a loop with a thread - wrap it around your index finger, then grab the thread with a hook, pull it through the loop and knit an air loop. Now we tie the loop with single crochets. To tighten the ring, simply pull the end of the thread.

For the next rows we make a loop for lifting and then knit according to the pattern you chose. Usually, to expand the circle in subsequent rows, additions are made.

In this master class we will talk about how to ensure that the edge is neat and perfectly smooth.

Video master class on joining circular knitting:

We cast on the required number of loops for your product, plus one loop to connect the row. We produce the set in any way. In our master class you can see a set of loops using an additional double needle. After casting, we take out the additional knitting needle and put it aside; we won’t need it anymore.

In your right hand we take the knitting needle with the last cast-on loop and working thread, and in your left hand on the knitting needle we bring the loops to the edge, the first cast-on loop should be located on it.

Before joining the edge, be sure to ensure that the edge does not twist! Once connected, it is no longer possible to correct the twisted row and everything will have to be unraveled.

So, let's begin the connection process itself. Using the right knitting needle, remove the first loop from the left, inserting the knitting needle from right to left. Now, using the left knitting needle, we throw the last of the cast-on loops over the first one, transferred to the same knitting needle, i.e. we throw the second over the first. In this way we removed that extra loop, and the edge will now be smooth and beautiful. The loop must be returned to the left knitting needle and the threads tightened.

We hope everything worked out for you.
Share your result with us and leave comments.
Author Svetik

/ 03/12/2016 at 21:14

Good day, friends!

In our next knitting lesson we will talk about how to knit in the round with knitting needles. Some knitters, especially beginners, are afraid to knit in the round. Many people even prefer to knit socks on 2 knitting needles and then sew them together.

This, of course, is all individual. Knitting is generally a democratic type of needlework in the sense that it allows for different methods. And every knitter has the right to do as she is used to and as is convenient for her.

But for me, I love circular knitting. And where possible, I try to use it. First of all, because the knitted fabric is tubular, and the parts do not need to be sewn! And I (I’ll tell you a secret) don’t really like sewing knitted things...

Another important advantage of circular knitting is that all rows are performed along the face of the work, which is very convenient for some patterns. For example, when knitting in the round it is easier to perform jacquard patterns, as well as patterns where even rows are not knitted just like the knitting looks like ( according to the drawing), and in them you also need to follow the scheme.

Different types of knitting needles for circular knitting

So what can you knit in the round? Yes, a lot of things! Socks, mittens, leg warmers, hats, berets, skirts, dresses, ponchos, sweaters (especially convenient if you knit them from the neck with raglan sleeves - then you can do without seams at all!) - and this is not a complete list.

Disadvantages of knitting in the round: in some cases, the rows are too long and the work process is cumbersome. This is inconvenient if sometimes you have to take your knitting with you somewhere. And your hands get more tired. As for the rest, “beautiful marquise, everything is fine, everything is fine!”

You can knit in the round on 5 short, so-called stocking needles, or you can use ring needles for this. Let's look at each method in more detail.

It is more convenient to knit small items on 5 knitting needles: socks, mittens, gloves - when there are relatively few stitches in a row. For this, a set of five knitting needles is used - equal in thickness and length, with pointed ends on both sides. Like all other knitting needles, they come in different numbers.

First, take 2 knitting needles and cast on the required number of stitches, as usual. It is desirable if the number of loops is divisible by 4. For example, let’s cast on 32 loops:

Immediately after the cast-on row we distribute the stitches onto 4 knitting needles. There should be 8 loops on each needle (32: 4 = 8). Everything is done very simply: take one of the remaining 4 knitting needles and knit 8 loops with it, leaving the loops on this knitting needle. Take the second knitting needle and knit the next 8 stitches, then connect the third and fourth knitting needles in the same way:

Now we connect the extreme knitting needles. We fasten the short end of the thread to the opposite end of the cast-on row so that the circle does not move apart. So, all the loops of the row are distributed on 4 knitting needles:

Our fifth knitting needle will be working. Using the fifth knitting needle, we alternately knit loops from each knitting needle, connecting the working thread. At the same time, after the loops from the next knitting needle are knitted, this knitting needle is released - and it already becomes a working one. Thus, the rows are knitted in a circle from left to right, or counterclockwise. As you can see, everything is quite simple.

In the example for the photo, I knitted all the stitches. When knitting in the round, in this case the result is stockinette stitch, or stockinette stitch:

It is clear that you can knit different patterns in a circle, following the pattern or description of the pattern. In this case, it is extremely important that the number of loops in the row exactly matches rapport.

For example, if the pattern repeat is 5 loops, then you need to cast on the number of loops that is divisible by 5. It may turn out that this number will not be divided exactly by 4 in order to equally distribute the loops on 4 knitting needles.

No problem: we distribute them so that the number of loops on the knitting needles coincides across one knitting needle. For example, if you need to cast on 50 loops for a pattern, then distribute it onto the knitting needles: 13, 12, 13, 12 loops, or whatever is more convenient for knitting the pattern. This is not important.

And by the way, in order to knit in the round, it is not necessary to distribute the loops exactly on 4 knitting needles. It can be divided into 3, the fourth will be working. It’s just somehow more convenient to knit with five knitting needles.

For knitting in the round, you can distribute the stitches not on 4, but on 3 knitting needles.

Knitting on circular needles

It is convenient to knit in the round on ring needles when your rows are much longer than when knitting on 5 needles. The knitting technology is the same as in the previous case. We cast on loops and connect the ends of the row into a circle.

At the same time, on the one hand, it’s good if your row is so long that the loops fill the ring needles along the entire length - you just knit counterclockwise in a row and that’s it.

But even if the row turns out to be shorter, it doesn’t matter. We simply pull out the excess length of the knitting needle (connecting line, tube) with a loop somewhere in the middle of the row, as shown in the photo below.

The most difficult and responsible thing here is to make sure that the row does not twist. Then we connect the ends of the knitting needles and begin to knit in a circle counterclockwise. Additionally, we secure the short end of the thread from the set of loops by threading it through the first loop.

We pull out the excess part of the flexible section of the knitting needles in the form of a loop.

Having knitted the loops to the place where the excess length of the flexible part of the knitting needle is stretched out, we tighten the right end of the knitting needle so that the loops lie on the left knitting needle and are ready for knitting:

The stitches on the left needle are ready to be knitted.

We insert the right knitting needle into the first loop lying on the left knitting needle and continue knitting as usual:

We do this every time and every row, reaching this place. Subsequently, the place of “extending the extra spoke” - I’ll call it that, can be moved. Make it at the beginning of the row, for example. At the same time, it will be easier to navigate where a new row begins.

The short end of the thread at the bottom shows where the row begins. This is the most convenient place to pull out the excess part of the knitting needle.

But there are cases when, on the contrary, the rows are so long that all the loops simply cannot fit on one pair of circular knitting needles. For example, when knitting the bottom of a flared skirt. Then you can use 2 or even 3 pairs of circular knitting needles to work simultaneously (it is clear that they must be the same in thickness).

In this case, the principle of operation is the same as when knitting on 5 knitting needles - one pair is released and becomes a working pair of knitting needles. By the way, this is how I had to knit the lower part of this skirt openwork dress.

How to knit sleeves in the round

There is another method of knitting on ring needles, which is convenient to use in cases where the rows are not too long, but not too short to use a set of 5 knitting needles. The method can be used for knitting sleeves (especially if the item is knitted from the top, from the neck), and hats without seams.

The bottom line is that we extend the “extra” length of the knitting needle in two places - at the end and exactly in the middle of the row. Each time we knit to this point, we turn the knitting so that the working thread is on the right.

Every knitter, even a beginning knitter, sooner or later is faced with the fact that the intended product or some part of it needs to be knitted in a circle. This could be a sweater collar, a hat, a cowl-neck scarf, or regular socks. Many knitters use circular knitting even for more complex projects. For example, a vest.

Circular knitting needles

However, it is quite common that having once gotten used to working with regular long knitting needles, and even having successfully mastered knitting in the round using a set of five double-edged needles, the knitter no longer tries to work in the round, considering it difficult.

Many of those who tried knitting with circular knitting needles then knit with them even those things in which knitting in the circle would not be used and never return to regular long ones.

Differences between circular knitting needles and regular knitting needles

We propose to consider the main differences between circular knitting needles and regular knitting needles and find out whether circular knitting is really more difficult with them. Or maybe it's still worth a try.

The first thing that sets circular knitting needles apart is their compactness. They are much more convenient to take with you on the road, on a picnic, to the dacha - anywhere. Long straight needles always make knitting more cumbersome. A set of double-edged knitting needles is generally quite difficult to pack so that both ends are securely hidden.

Second: if you are knitting a large item with them (a sweater, a dress or even a coat), your hands will not be overextended when knitting. After all, in fact, they only work with the number of loops that are located directly on short knitting needles. The main weight of the knitted fabric hangs on a cable or fishing line and rests partially on the knees, without burdening the hands or restricting movements.

The third follows from the first. The fact that such knitting needles are much shorter than straight ones significantly reduces the chances of hitting someone nearby with them while working.

Fourth: products knitted in the round do not have seams, which is important, for example, for hats or the neck of a children's sweater, and if they do, there are very few of them.

Fifth: versatility. With the help of circular knitting needles, you can really knit almost anything, including hats, socks and mittens, the knitting of which is associated with a set of double-edged knitting needles by the vast majority of knitters. Although, in essence, both processes are not very different from each other.

In addition, today there is no need to be afraid that the elastic part will bend and break off. The times when knitting in the round was accompanied by periodic cutting of a broken elastic tube and placing its remainder on a knitting needle have sunk into the past. Even knitting needles with thick fishing line attached to them, which have come to the aid of knitters, today can easily replace reliable circular ones with an elastic, durable metal cable.

In a word, manufacturers of accessories for needlework today only delight both beginners and fairly experienced knitters. All we have to do is consider the question of how to knit a circle with knitting needles.

Features of circular knitting

The main nuance of knitting in the round is that with this method only the front side of the product is knitted. This should be kept in mind from the very beginning. The set of loops for the product should already be carried out taking into account these specifics. After all, edge loops are not needed here.

Openwork patterns are much more difficult to knit in the round. Loops that need to be knitted in the usual way when working with the wrong side, when knitting in the round, will need to be knitted using the so-called grandma’s method or giving preference to relief patterns without openwork.

Casting on loops on circular knitting needles is done in exactly the same way as on regular straight knitting needles. In this case, the last loop cast on will always be the last loop of the circle. For convenience, it should be additionally marked with a contrasting thread or pin. You can use a special plastic marker that can be transferred from one knitting needle to another.

There are circular knitting needles of different diameters and different lengths. Ideally, when knitting, you should use knitting needles of the exact length indicated in the instructions. However, not everyone today can afford to purchase separate circular knitting needles for almost every product. If you have knitting needles of a suitable diameter in your bins, but the cable between them is too long, it will be more convenient to immediately divide the cast-on stitches into two parts and work, leaving groups of loops closer to the ends of the knitting needles, and between these groups - a free part of the cable. When running it looks something like this:

Remaining circular, our work will seem to consist of two parts, which must be knitted alternately until we reach the desired length. We work with one half of the loops, and at this time the second hangs on the flexible part of the knitting needles, waiting for its turn. Then we move the unknitted part to the end of the left knitting needle, and move the just knitted part into its place approximately in the middle of our cable, freeing the right working knitting needle. And so on.
There is no need to constantly make sure that all the knitting loops are moving in a circle. The loops will not stretch or deform.

So, the set of the required number of loops is completed, you can start knitting.

In the right hand we take the knitting needle with the last of the cast-on loops and the working thread, and in the left hand - with the first of the cast-on loops.

Let's start knitting

When knitting the very first row, you should pay special attention to ensure that the loops do not twist. Otherwise, the edge of the product will be uneven. However, it is much easier to follow this than when knitting the first and even the second row using a set of double-pointed knitting needles.

To avoid the formation of a too noticeable hole at the junction of the first row of the circle, it is recommended to start knitting loops with a working thread together with its free end. However, this method can make the beginning of the knitting noticeably thicker and tighter.

You can carefully close the loops around by casting on an extra loop on the knitting needles, and at the beginning of the first row, remove it without knitting.
More often, it is more convenient to start knitting as usual, simply pulling the thread harder so that when closing the circle, a step does not form.

Decrease loops

We propose to consider the process of decreasing loops when knitting in the round using the example of an ordinary hat.
Those who already know how to decrease loops know that the more so-called decrease lines, the more rounded the top of the product will be. You can knit a taller hat, close the loops with one line and get two unique “ears”. Or you can decrease the loops at equal intervals.
Here we should note another advantage of circular knitting needles. When knitting, say, with double-pointed knitting needles, you can decrease the loops, for example, by knitting two of them at the end of each knitting needle. Decreasing them more than four times in one circle is no longer very convenient.

On circular ones, you can knit two loops together every, say, 8-10 loops. The next round should be knitted without decreasing the stitches. In the third row from the beginning of decreasing the loops, there are two loops already after 7-9 loops. Next, we decrease the loops in each odd row until there are 2-3 left from each group of loops.
Through the remaining loops, you can use a crochet hook to pull a thread folded in half, pull it tightly into a ring, and then fasten the free end of the thread from the wrong side. The result will be a neat, rounded crown.